SAN FRANCISCO – Street Soccer USA (SSUSA), the leading sport for social change organization in the U.S., is co-hosting the Street Soccer USA National Cup in Civic Center Plaza this weekend. The San Francisco Recreation and Park Department is partnering with SSUSA for the 2nd consecutive year to host the four-a-side soccer tournament designed to catalyze the expansion of a Bay Area-wide soccer league for at-risk youth and homeless young adults.

The event pits 50 co-ed amateur adult teams (ages 16 and older) against each other in fun competition. Teams include the SF Rec & Park Department, the SF Police Department, Zendesk, Google and Twitter. In addition, 16 of SSUSA’s social program teams from across the country will showcase their skills and celebrate their achievements. Outstanding players are chosen at the end of the tournament to go on and represent Street Soccer USA at the Homeless World Cup in Amsterdam in September. The tournament will be played on a pop-up stadium in the middle of Civic Center Plaza from August 14-16th.

“The Street Soccer USA Civic Center Cup is the perfect venue to showcase the power of soccer to bring people together and make big dreams possible,” said Rob Cann, Chief Operating Officer and Co-founder of SSUSA. “Developing soccer in America goes hand in hand with building better communities. Our social service partners, our coaches and players work together to help people overcome their obstacles in life. It’s all about teamwork and achieving goals, that’s what is on display at the Street Soccer USA Civic Center Cup.”

Since its inception, SSUSA has reached over 3,000 at-risk youth and homeless young adults with its soccer for social change curriculum. In partnership with 24 social service partner agencies, SSUSA ultimately connects participants to improved health, education and employment outcomes within a year of joining the program.

“The Civic Center Cup is a unique sporting event that leverages America’s fastest growing sport to promote community development,” said SF Rec and Park General Manager Phil Ginsburg. “We’re proud to partner with SSUSA on such a noble cause. The National Cup truly demonstrates that playing outside is for everyone.”